The Pike County Journal-Reporter

By Dwain W. Penn

Two days after the country celebrated its independence, Williamson mayor Steve Fry and council members convened at city hall, bolstered by patriotic energy, to direct the city’s affairs for the second half of the year. The imminent return of the military helicopter, restored to its original combat glory, has inspired city officials to become more of a “city with heart” through increased benevolence and family-oriented activities. Just last month, council approved to be one of many major sponsors of the Pride of Pike celebration with a $300 donation. Such gestures result in benefits through increased tourism, local commerce, attracting new residents, all making Williamson a very popular city. [Full story »] 

The Pike County Fire Department was recently issued a Medical First Responder Service License by the Georgia Department of Public Health, effective July 1. This license will allow trained personnel to provide care to the citizens of Pike County while waiting for the contracted ambulance to arrive on scene or an ambulance coming from one of the surrounding counties. [Full story »] 

The Williamson LEAF (Library, Education and Arts Facility) will host a Community Ice Cream Social on the back patio of the library Saturday, July 29 from noon to 2 p.m. [Full story »] 

According to Pike County's animal control officer, a bat on Kings Road tested positive for rabies after coming into two dogs on Thursday, July 20. [Full story »] 

Mr. Raymond E. England, age 82, of Brooks, Georgia passed away on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Southern Regional Medical Center.  [Full story »] 

Between July 17, and July 24, local law enforcement agencies made the following arrests: [Full story »] 

The 6U Pike County All-Stars recently placed first in the Class C World Series tournament in Covington. The girls played July 15 and came out of pool play as the number one seed, remaining undefeated through bracket play to make it to the championship. [Full story »] 

The summer reading finale for the J. Joel Edwards Public Library will be held Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to noon. The library’s south parking area will be transformed into a small festival with crafts, games, prizes and face painting. [Full story »] 

Officers with the Zebulon Police Department responded to a fight in progress at Pikes Peak apartments around 11 p.m. July 22. Upon the officers’ arrival, it was determined to be an home invasion. Suspect Dante Crawford, a 33-year-old black male, of Griffin traveled to the residence of a former girlfriend’s house at the apartments and forcibly entered the residence. A fight ensued with the girlfriend and Carlton Brown. During the fight, Crawford had a knife and stabbed Brown. Crawford also physically assaulted the ex girlfriend. [Full story »] 

Pike County may not be considered a tourist destination by local residents, but tourism in the county brings in around $6 million from visitors each year. Locals are hoping to increase the number of visitors to the area to help lower property taxes. [Full story »]